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WMU is new Delta partner for training aircraft maintenance personnel

contact: Cheryl RolandMay 16, 2017 | WMU News

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's College of Aviation has been chosen by Delta Air Lines to be part of a select network of schools around the nation able to train aircraft maintenance technicians, known as AMTs, to fill a high demand the airline is expected to face for the next several years.

The role of an AMT is to keep aircraft in safe flying condition by servicing, repairing and overhauling aircraft and aircraft components while following detailed federal regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration. Delta has named a group of 38 partner colleges, universities and aviation schools around the nation that have been evaluated by airline personnel and found to meet both the FAA training standards and Delta's requirements that exceed industry standards.

"This is a terrific new acknowledgement by Delta of the strength of our programs," says Capt. Dave Powell, dean of WMU's College of Aviation. "Over the years, we've enjoyed some significant partnerships with the company, and we were very pleased to have its representatives come, assess our aviation maintenance technology program and tell us we meet or exceed the high standards the company has set for itself."

Schools selected for the Delta partnership benefit by having access to Delta's resources for continuous improvement of the AMT program along with Delta's assistance in marketing the program to potential students.

WMU's aviation maintenance technology program

WMU's aviation maintenance technology major is one of three aviation programs offered by WMU's nationally known College of Aviation, which offers the only comprehensive aviation program at a Michigan public university. Its nearly 900 students can earn bachelor's degrees in aviation flight science, aviation maintenance technology and aviation management and operations.

Delta Air Lines Inc.

Delta Air Lines Inc. has its headquarters and largest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airline, along with its subsidiaries and regional affiliates, operates more than 5,400 flights daily and serves an extensive domestic and international network that includes 319 destinations in 54 countries on six continents.